In
response to the growing trend for pearl divers to refocus their
employment sights on commercial diving, TUCF
recently conducted a training program to meet
this industry's specific needs.
The Underwater Centre Fremantle (TUCF) recently conducted a
training program aimed at adding to the skill base of Australian
Pearl Divers, enabling them to enter a new career path quickly
and inexpensively.
In accordance with the requirements of the Australian Diver
Accreditation Scheme's (ADAS), Recognition of Prior Learning
(RPL) procedures, TUCF was able to condense what is normally
an eight week training programme down to four weeks. Not only
was TUCF able to present experienced pearl divers with a fast-tracked
avenue to commercial diving qualifications, they also gained
savings on their training costs of around AUD$3,000.00!.
To assess the suitability of candidates for RPL assessment and
training, TUCF examines the diver's experiences across a broad
range of criteria, particularly based on the number, time and
depth of dives he or she has undertaken. It is generally the
more experienced pearl diver, having had exposure to both farm
and drift diving (for wild shell) utilising surface supplied
equipment, that is best suited for this type of course. These
skills and knowledge may enable the diver to be accepted for
RPL for both ADAS Part 1 (Occupational
Scuba Diving to 30 metres) and ADAS
Part 2 (Air Diving to 30 metres).
Recreational divemasters and instructors are normally accepted
as RPL students for ADAS Part 1 training. These professional
divers are exempted from either one or two weeks training on
a Part 1 course, depending on what level of experience is held
upon application. However, as it is uncommon for recreational
dive professionals to have had exposure to surface supplied
diving they are then required to complete the full four weeks
of training of ADAS Part 2.
During the most recent RPL course, TUCF tailored the training
programme to enlighten the divers to the ways of the commercial
construction diving industry, as laid down as gospel in Australian
Standards AS/NZS2299:1.1999. As TUCF Course Administrator Kaye
Grubb stated after the course, "Our pearling boys had their
basic skills brushed and polished and were provided with training
in the safe and effective use of a broad range of subsurface
tools. Some of the instruction covered areas well known to pearl
divers and a large portion was new. A couple of the guys were
even schooled in the wearing of basic personal protective equipment
like boots!!!! Yes, some ground breaking took place here!"
There were some grimaces, as the fine points of mobilising and
de-mobilising a commercial diving outfit were driven home each
day, but overall the divers were enthusiastic and soaked up
the preparation to take on the commercial diving world. TUCF
was able to expose the trainees to a wide range of equipment
that perhaps they had not had the opportunity to become familiar
with before.
The Pearl Diver ADAS Part 1 &
2 Pearl Diver's RPL training programme was such a success
that TUCF has planned another for the end of 2003. Tentative
dates have been allocated, however TUCF would be happy to amend
these in consultation with interested parties so as to accommodate
the pearling industries work schedules.
The Underwater Centre Fremantle is pleased to be able to provide
the opportunity for experienced divers to gain internationally
recognised ADAS qualifications in a quick and relatively inexpensive
way.
For more information contact:
TUCF
8 Rous Head Road, North Fremantle, WA 6159, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9336 3343
FAX: +61 8 9336 3345
Email: milly@tucf.com.au
